The Science of Pain & The Art of Healing

The 2013 Spring Symposium presents many faces of pain through evidence-based research, patient narratives, family stories, and portraits that translate pain in vivid and powerful ways. Chronic pain is recognized as a significant clinical and public health problem. The number of people in the United States living with chronic pain is estimated to be 75 million, and these represent those willing to share their pain with others. The symposium events will expose learners to knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to respond effectively, safely and with empathy to those living with chronic pain.

Case Study

We are honored to have a patient and family willing to tell their story for the purpose of deeper learning about pain and its related effects. Paula's story will be translated into a case study available to students and instructors prior to the April 4, 2013 symposium. At age 13, Paula sprained her ankle. It did not respond to traditional treatments and over time her pain increased exponentially. Paula has subsequently endured chronic pain; multiple diagnoses have been proposed and she has been seen by a spectrum of health, mental health, and health-related professionals culminating in a diagnosis of  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. 

Keynote Address

Interprofessional Spring Symposium will be delivered in the style of a TED talk.  Our speakers are:

• David A. Thomas, PhD
  "The NIH Pain Consortium's Centers of Excellence in Pain Education: Enhancing Interprofessional Pain Education in Medical, Nursing, Dental and Pharmacy Schools"

• Judy Watt-Watson, RN MSc PhD
  "Knocking Down Silos: Interprofessional Pain Education" 

• Kathleen A Sluka, PT, Phd
  "Physical Activity Prevents Chronic Pain"        

• Kandyce Powell, R.N., M.S.N.
  "Many Faces of Pain: Existential Suffering at End of Life"  

Schedule for the day:

Parking will be achallenge however.  Attached please find a schedule and parking map - as you can see, no cars holding fewer than 4 people will be allowed to park near the Forum.  To avoid traffic snarls at the Forum, cars with fewer than 4 passengers should automatically park in the River "Tent" lot as indicated on the map. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.  The walk from the various parking lots is 10-15 minutes, depending upon your pace – wear comfortable shoes – travel light!

If you registered for the bus from the Portland Campus, it will be departing from the FINLEY lot at 7:30 a.m., and from the Biddeford CAMPUS CENTER at 3:45 p.m.  Post-symposium surveys will be available on the buses, so if your last breakout runs late, you can complete the survey during the ride back to campus.